Atkins completes 1,000 accessibility audits of UK rail stations
As part of a UK government programme to boost inclusivity across the transportation network, Atkins have completed the 1,000th stations accessibility audit.
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DfT News
Govia Thameslink Railway awarded National Rail Contract
Govia Thameslink Railway have been awarded a National Rail Contract to continue operating the UK’s largest rail network; the Thameslink, Southern and Great Northern rail services.
First electrification system for rail freight terminals boost UK net zero plans
A rail freight terminal in Northamptonshire has become the first in the UK to demonstrate an electrification system, boosting plans to reach net zero.
Rail journeys increased across October and December despite restrictions
Rail journeys increased to 285 million in Britain over October and December 2021, marking the highest number of passenger journeys since January to March 2020.
£84m investment to cut delays of trains in Manchester and North West
The investment will deliver track side upgrades, platform extensions for longer trains and bigger depots across the regions.
Rewards platform launched to encourage and support returning commuters
Now that work from home restrictions in the UK have been lifted, a new rewards website has been launched to entice customers back to rail and to encourage commuters to make the most of their journey.
Bill for next phase of Britain’s HS2 handed to Parliament
Passengers across the North West of England are one step closer to faster, greener and more reliable train services as the Bill for the next phase of HS2 is handed to Parliament.
Repetitive on-board announcements to be removed on trains in England
Quieter train journeys are set to become the norm after the UK government has announced it will identify and remove repetitive and unnecessary on-board announcements on trains in England.
Chiltern Railways operating contract extended to 2027
Chiltern Railways will continue operating its existing services for another six years, and will give them opportunity to continue plans for decarbonisation, fleet modernisation and improving customer experience.
Northern leaders propose advice to government on the Integrated Rail Plan
Leaders in the North of England have written to the Secretary of State for Transport, to propose a way forward to support residents and businesses of the North, following the publication of the Integrated Rail Plan.
New programme of air quality monitoring introduced for Britain’s railways
The Rail Safety and Standards Board aims to help Britain’s rail industry to maintain a healthier mode of transport through its Stations Air Quality Monitoring Network programme.
Network Rail launches traffic management system pilot project with GWR
As a first for the UK rail industry, Network Rail has launched a new innovative pilot project that integrates its traffic management system with Great Western Railway’s crew and stock software.
Transformative upgrades due for rail freight on North Transpennine route
The Rail Freight Group (RFG) has welcomed the announcement that the North Transpennine route is due to be upgraded to allow shipping containers to be moved by rail.
Britain’s rail industry responds to government’s Integrated Rail Plan
The government has shared its proposals to transform the rail network in the North and Midlands, but leaders in the rail the industry are voicing their concerns about the abandonment of the HS2 Eastern Leg and the scaling back of Northern Powerhouse Rail.
Hitachi Rail and Angel Trains to trial intercity battery hybrid trains
In 2022, intercity battery hybrid trains will be trialled on the TransPennine route by both Hitachi Rail and Angel Trains, to further develop railway’s use of this clean technology.
